9 > 81

I enjoy watching Jeffri Chadiha verbally battle Skip Bayless on ESPN’s 1st and 10. I especially give credence to anyone that can hand Bayless his hat in those contrived arguments. However, Chadiha’s latest bit of information does not sit so well with me, and it may be the same for other Cowboy fans. Jeffri, a Senior NFL writer for ESPN, gave his list of the 10 most indispensable players in the league. Just as every other top 10 list this off-season, the Cowboys have a contribution.

The oft misunderstood but never undervalued Terrell Owens comes in at number three, behind Fly-Guy Tom Brady and the heir to Brett Favre’s throne (in the record books), Peyton Manning. Though I am not disagreeing that TO is a commodity that Phillips can ill afford to be without, I would argue that Tony Romo is way more indispensable to the team than “The Receiver.”

Value cannot solely be measured in touchdowns, but it’s a good start. The Real 81 found the endzone 15 times. That accounts for about 42% of the receiving touchdowns and more than a quarter of the total TDs. Those are big numbers, but Tony Romo was responsible for 100% of Owens’ scores. He was also responsible for 100% of the team’s 36 passing touchdowns.

Lest we not forget he ran for two scores and set up countless field goals. Not to say that Brad Johnson couldn’t throw the ball deep for Terrell to go up and get it, but think about how many plays The Talented Mr. Romo made with his legs. If Owens goes down (knock on wood) I am supremely confident that our quarterback will be able to manufacture victories. Conversely, If BJ is forced to take the helm we will quickly find out why Mike Morgan thinks we need a “younger backup.”

It’s a great thing to have so much knowledge and experience backing up your budding QB (ahem Favre), but I think Max is the only person that wants to see Brad get more playing time.

Out of 16 games, Mr. Owens failed to score in 5 of them. Romo was held to zero touchdowns in only 2 games, and one was the final game of the season where he played about two quarters. 81 is a boisterous leader on the sideline, but Tony can put the team on his back and carry them to the promise land (see the agonizing Buffalo Bills game last year).

The Cowboys’ number 1 receiver is arguably number 1 in the league, but Tony Romo means more to Dallas right now, and for the future, than the 34 year old Owens. Let’s just hope to see much more from the Romo-Owens connection this year. Thank you, Jeffri Chadiha for acknowledging that the Cowboys have one of the most indispensable players in the league, but I beseech you to reconsider whom it is.